Dog kennels worth hundreds of pounds have been stolen from a Stevenage garden centre, and police are appealing for information and witnesses.
The commercial burglary took place just after 1pm on Wednesday, February 15, at Stevenage Garden Centre on North Road.
It is reported that two suspects entered the site before taking three dog kennels worth hundreds of pounds.
The first suspect is described as a white male, aged in his 20s, of a slim build with blonde hair and wearing a blue jumper.
The second suspect is described as a white male, dressed in black with a black hat and a yellow highvis jacket.
PC Daniel Wood-Costa, who is investigating, said: “Our enquiries are continuing and we are appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.
“Were you at the garden centre around this time, or did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area? Please email me with any information at daniel. wood-costa@herts.police.uk.”
You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via online webchat at herts.police.uk/contact, or call the non-emergency number 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
Full planning permission to deliver the first phase of a controversial development of 800 homes in Stevenage countryside known as Forster Country has been granted.
Outline planning permission for up to 800 homes to be built in fields off North Road - as well as local centre, primary school, country park and public open space - was granted by Stevenage Borough Council in September 2022.
Now, detailed plans by the developers to build 243 homes within phase one have been approved by the council’s Planning and Development Committee. A separate application with details of the site-wide infrastructure has also been approved.
The plans for a housing development in Forster Country have been met with hundreds of objections, with people concerned about the loss of heritage, as well as urban coalescence and lack of infrastructure.
The area is where novelist E M Forster - who wrote Room with a View, Howards End and A Passage to India - grew up. His childhood home Rooks Nest House and its environs actually inspired Howards End.
Part of the first phase of the development lies within the St Nicholas/Rectory Lane Conservation Area, which includes Rooks Nest.
A spokesperson for developer Bellway said: “The properties here have been carefully designed to be sensitive to their historic surroundings, with complementary character areas throughout the development.”
Ali Maruf, managing director for Bellway North London, said: “The approval from Stevenage Borough Council gives us the green light to go ahead with our plans to start the transformation of this 183-acre site.
“We have worked closely with the local authority to bring much-needed new housing to Stevenage and to meet the specific needs of the area. Now that the plans have been approved, we will look to start work in the spring.
“We are aware of the historic literary significance of the area and are focused on creating a new neighbourhood sympathetic to the unique character of the conservation area and surrounding landscape which inspired EM Forster’s work.”
She said the proposed mix of homes will provide new housing for a wide range of buyers, including commuters, first-time
buyers, families needing more space and those looking to downsize.
She added: “We will be working closely with a local housing association to ensure the development will also benefit local people and provide a chance for keyworkers and those on lower incomes to be able to secure an affordable home, whilst being able to stay close to family and friends.”
Ali said the new homes within the conservation area will include traditional features such as hipped roofs, tile hanging, brick arches, chimneys and gablefronted porch canopies.
“Meanwhile, the proposed country park is set to include the restoration of hay meadows to the approximate field pattern as shown on historic maps and described in EM Forster’s texts,” Ali added.
“Due to the size of the development, we anticipate working on the site for up to five years and intend to play a positive role within the local community as this new neighbourhood takes shape. We will be delivering housing for hundreds of people and bringing investment, jobs and improvements to local facilities, which will benefit both existing and new residents in the town.”
Samaritans volunteers were at Stevenage train station this month to promote the charity’s latest campaign - Small Talk Saves Lives - and to show passengers how a little small talk could save someone’s life.
The campaign comes after new research from Samaritans revealed that just 50% of people in the UK would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.
Samaritans volunteers will speak to passengers about the new campaign, highlight the power of conversation, and provide myth-busting leaflets to give people the confidence to approach those who might need help.
Julie Bentley, Samaritans’ chief executive, said: “It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at Samaritans we know first-hand how life-changing that conversation could be.
Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and there’s no evidence to suggest that you will make the
situation worse – it’s about trusting your instincts, starting a conversation and showing you care. “We know it’s been a really challenging time for people’s mental health over the last few years, so we hope the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign builds that confidence and reminds the public of the difference they can make. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.”
Helen Cavanagh, head of passenger experience for Network Rail’s East Coast route, said: “We’re really proud to be working alongside Samaritans volunteers to empower our passengers to look out for one another and have the confidence to strike up a conversation if someone needs support. “Millions of passengers travel through stations along the East Coast Main Line each year, so please stop and have a chat with our volunteers. You could learn some tips to help save someone’s life.”
For more information and tips, visit Samaritans. org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives.
If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
The Crown Prosecution Service has spoken of how 13 women’s testimonies secured the fate of Stevenage serial rapist David Carrick.
In February, former Metropolitan Police officer Carrick was sentenced to serve at least 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to 49 offences including rape, sexual assault and falsely imprisoning women. The offences took place over a 17-year period - from 2003 to 2020. Carrick, 48, who joined the Met Police in 2001, was sacked in January.
In October 2021, a woman reported she had been raped by Carrick. “News of him being charged sparked a significant investigation which revealed Carrick’s relentless campaign of sexual and mental abuse of women,” the CPS explained.
“A further 12 women came forward and reported being assaulted by him and it was their strong, authentic and consistent testimonies that formed the CPS case against Carrick.
“Despite not knowing each other, the striking similarities in their accounts of how Carrick had manipulated them, and assaulted them physically, sexually and mentally, was the evidence that left him with no option but to admit his crimes.”
Some of the victims who were in relationships with Carrick were relentlessly manipulated, financially cut off and isolated from their friends, as well as repeatedly sexually assaulted and raped, the CPS
said. Others were women he met socially but still degraded and sexually abused.
“Victims described how Carrick would make derogatory comments, calling them his slave or a whore,” the CPS said. “He called them ‘fat’, wouldn’t allow them to eat, controlled where they slept, watched them on cameras in his house, urinated on them, raped them, and even locked some women in a cupboard under his stairs for hours at a time.”
Over the course of this case, the CPS reviewed 300 witness statements and around 4,000 pages of evidence.
“With every report, the case against Carrick grew, as the victims’ accounts of Carrick’s pattern of behaviour were all very similar,” the CPS said. “This evidence was compelling, as the victims were unknown to each other and his methods were unusual.
“Supporting data from phone messages, as well as the unmistakable similarities between the victim accounts, gave us the evidence needed to authorise charges against Carrick and take this case to court.
“In this instance, as with many other rape and serious sexual assault cases, the evidence may have appeared limited. However, it was the testimonies of the women that provided the key evidence against Carrick as they were strong, authentic and consistent, as more and more victims came forward.”
Two nurses who have collectively worked in the NHS for more than 50 years will abseil down the side of Lister Hospital’s tower block in Stevenage to raise money to help transform the hospital’s outside space for some of Lister’s sickest patients.
Continuing professional development nurse, Emer Corbett, and enterprise and apprentice lead, Ruth Sanderson, have signed up to take on the Lister Abseil challenge on Sunday, March 26, to raise funds for the Sunshine Appeal.
The appeal is fundraising to create an outside terrace so patients in the intensive care unit at Lister can be taken outside in their beds to enjoy the benefits of being in the fresh air. The appeal is also raising money to create a decking area outside the restaurant for all patients, staff and visitors to enjoy.
Emer, who is based at Lister, said: “This is all Ruth’s fault! We work together in clinical education and she convinced me to join her in this adventure, which will see two over 50-year-old nurses abseil down the 11-storey Lister tower
block!
“I have worked as a nurse at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust since 1994 and 15 of those years were spent in intensive care with the sickest patients, some of whom were with us for months on end.
“The Sunshine Appeal really touched me. It is such a brilliant idea to allow patients to spend time outside, to see the sky, to feel the breeze and have time away from what can be a noisy, clinical environment.
“Ruth worked in the emergency department at the same time I was working in intensive care, so we cared for many of the same patients. It is personal for both of us.”
Ruth added: “As soon as Emer explained what she wanted to raise funds for, I knew I had to do it, despite me wondering why anyone, let alone anyone our age, would want to lean backwards and drop the length of the tower block!
“My background is in the emergency department, where I worked for over 20 years before moving into education. Both Emer and I have experienced first-hand the lack of outside spaces for our patients and our
staff. After some shifts, I wouldn’t even know if it had been a sunny day or not.
“It is so important that our most unwell patients get the chance to spend time outside, to feel the sun and wind on their faces and see the sky – so I’m taking on this challenge to help create these vital spaces.”
Eloise Huddleston, director of the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which is running the Sunshine Appeal, said: “Thank you so much to Emer and Ruth for taking on this hair-raising challenge to raise funds to help us create outdoor spaces for patients, staff and visitors.
“They know from experience how important it is for us all, especially our most poorly patients, to be able to spend time outside in the fresh air and sunshine. It is a wonderful – and terrifying – thing they are doing, and we will all be cheering for them on the day.”
You can support Emer and Ruth at justgiving.com/ EmerandRuthAbseil. For more information about the Sunshine Appeal, visit enhhcharity.org.uk/sunshine
An 18-year-old student from Stevenage has signed up to take on the Lister abseil on March 26 to thank A&E staff at the hospital for saving his life.
Tom Brett thought he had a common cold in November last year, but after four days he became paralysed and lost his ability to speak. He was taken to Lister Hospital’s A&E department and immediately placed on a ventilator. He was then transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge that night for life-saving surgery.
Tom said: “Fluid that had quickly built up in my sinuses had penetrated my skull and was surrounding my brain. Without surgery, it would have compressed my brain and killed me.
“Fortunately, the craniotomy surgery was a success and following further surgery to drain fluid from behind my eye, the team were able to save my eye and, incredibly, my sight.
“I was still completely paralysed for 12 days after the surgery but received the most amazing care and am now recovering well.
“My consultant has given me the ok, so I am taking on the Lister abseil challenge to raise funds to show my gratitude to the A&E department at Lister Hospital. Their super-quick actions and transfer to Addenbrooke’s Hospital saved my life. I am so incredibly grateful and fortunate. Life is precious.”
Eloise Hudson, director of the East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity, which is organising the abseil, said: “Wow! Tom is incredible for taking on the abseil challenge.
“He has been through so much, so we applaud him for taking on this epic challenge so soon after his illness and life-saving surgery. Go Tom!”
To support Tom, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/ thomas-brett2004
Stevenage Day is set to return for 2023 on Sunday 11 June.
The largest free event of its kind in Hertfordshire will be held at King George V Recreation Ground, and this year’s theme will focus on arts and culture in our community, as well as the King’s Coronation and the Women’s World Cup.
With a variety of specialist food vendors and over 200 stalls dedicated to charities, voluntary organisations and local businesses, there will be a series of free, fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Stevenage Day will also include a main performance area and the twin stages of Rock in the Park, supported by the Practice Roomz recording studio.
This year’s event will be sponsored by Everyone Active, the leisure operator confirmed to manage Stevenage Borough Council’s leisure facilities from 1 April 2023. The team will be hosting a stall, showcasing its offering to residents and visitors –from fitness memberships to swimming lessons and much more.
Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Margaret Notley said:
“Stevenage Day is always one of the biggest days in the town’s events calendar – it’s the perfect day out for the whole family, with a huge variety of stalls, activities and performances.
“This year, we will have world music performances, a carnival parade and a Junction 7 stall with different cultural activities visitors can take part in, all based around the theme of arts and culture in our community, as well as activities around the King’s coronation and the Women’s World Cup.”
Mark Leahy, regional contract manager at Everyone Active, said:
“We’re delighted to be part of Stevenage Day for the first time. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with local residents and share our mission –to encourage everyone to participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, five times a week.
“We’re looking forward to meeting everyone and showcasing the fantastic facilities that Everyone Active can offer residents in Stevenage.”
To book a stall, please visit: www.stevenage.gov.uk/ town-and-community/stevenage-day
“Support for organ donation has been incredible”, said a specialist nurse after news that 25 patients at the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust have received a transplant over the past 10 months.
Staff at the trust, which runs Lister Hospital in Stevenage, have referred 128 patients to the NHS Blood and Transplant’s Organ Donation Service as potential donors since April 1 last year, resulting in 11 actual solid organ donors and 25 patient transplants.
Becky Nicholls, specialist nurse for organ donation at the trust and part of the Eastern Organ Donation Services Team, has thanked donors, their families
and NHS colleagues. She said: “The support for the organ donation process from critical care and theatres and many others around the hospital, as well as the Trust Organ Donation Committee, has been incredible. “[Their] involvement makes a huge difference when supporting our organ donors and their loved ones, who I also wish to thank for saving and transforming the lives of transplant recipients.”
For more information about organ donation, visit nhsbt.nhs.uk.
If you have a story or feature please email us on hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com
Planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of The Forum in Stevenage town centre, which will see retail units demolished and science labs built.
Property developer Reef Group has been given the green light to demolish eight retail units - including TK Maxx and the former Home Bargains unit - and get rid of the existing 328-space surface car park, in favour of building four new science lab buildings, a STEM teaching lab, five to seven retail units and a multi-storey car park on the site.
Stevenage Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee granted planning permission for the development at a meeting in February.
Reef says the proposed £120 million redevelopment will create 1,850 jobs and generate an economic boost of £98 million per year.
A spokesman said: “The investment will support the revitalisation of the town centre, enhancing Stevenage’s place as a leader in the life sciences industry and adding to the list of businesses already in the local STEM cluster.”
The plan includes four new specialist biopharmaceutical advanced manufacturing laboratories and a teaching lab to train the next generation of STEM leaders in Stevenage. It also includes creating “restaurant, retail and collaboration spaces fronting onto a new public realm and square targeted towards driving a nighttime economy complementing the vibrant local town centre”, Reef says.
“The development aims to create a vibrant
life science quarter containing four specialist biopharmaceutical advance manufacturing buildings and a central collaboration building,” it says.
“This is to build on Stevenage’s growing reputation in this forward-thinking sector as a leading hub for life science, especially cell and gene therapy, and to help to deliver on the council’s aspirations for new developments to lead to the revitalisation of the town centre.
“The development will significantly benefit the vitality and viability of Stevenage town centre, and thus the net loss of retail floorspace within the primary shopping area is justified.
“The development’s high-quality architecture takes precedent from SteveMay be an image of roadnage’s rich history in 20th century architecture and public art programme.
“The proposed development delivers significant environmental, social and economic benefits for the site and wider area, representing sustainable development of brownfield land at the heart of the town centre.
“It will complement the existing town centre and will be able to positively contribute towards Stevenage Borough Council’s long-term vision for encouraging investment and appropriate transformational regeneration to the town centre.”
Stevenage Borough Council has already approved plans to relocate TK Maxx to the Roaring Meg Retail Park, after the retail chain said it had failed to find suitable alternative premises in the town centre. TK Maxx and Homesense, its sister store specialising in furniture and homewares, will move into the former Toys R Us unit.
Stevenage Borough Council’s budget for 2023/24 set out how it can continue to run the majority of its services by taking a number of key decisions. The council has balanced its finances to deliver essential services to residents, and continues with its regeneration ambitions, housing priorities and safer co-operative neighbourhoods.
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said: “This is the toughest budget this council has faced in years. The Cost of Living crisis has also affected us as a council with rising inflationary costs including fuel and energy, through to increased material and other expenditure, all this of course, on the back of the cost of COVID and significant reductions in government funding since 2010/11.
“Local government has stepped up magnificently when faced with these current challenges. Despite huge cuts and increasing inflationary pressures on our finances we continue to deliver vital front-line services, supporting our most vulnerable residents, housing the homeless, delivering help and emergency funding to businesses and keeping our public spaces safe. I would like to express a huge thank you to all council staff who carried out this fantastic work.
“Almost every council is facing the need to plug a funding black hole. However, our members and officers have worked hard together to strive to ensure that we continue to have sufficient money to run our services whilst at the same time responding to our residents’ top priorities such as regenerating our town, building more social and affordable homes, and reducing crime.
“It is with great regret the council has had to recommend the closure of its free play scheme offer. The total service £601thousand which equates to £566 per child registered with the service. Unfortunately, the service has not been as well used since the pandemic and it is our one of biggest areas of discretionary spend. There are further smaller service cuts to our Health and Wellbeing and Sports Development services, due to inflationary pressures we cannot fund through fees and council tax increases. However, we have just heard our Wellbeing and Sports Development
service has been awarded external funding for next year so we are able to continue this for another year”.
The £37.5million the council and thMay be an image of text that says ‘Ste SteVenage BOROUGH COUNCIL’e Stevenage Development Board secured from the Town’s Fund will result in exciting schemes being delivered to the value of £140million and we have secured the £14million from the Local Enterprise Partnership. This funding has been used to:
• improve the town’s public realm,
• build a new bus interchange,
• develop Co-Space in the town centre which is now 100% occupied by local businesses and entrepreneurs,
• construct the new railway multi storey car park,
• create Event Island - space for events and performances
• and most importantly, bring new businesses into the town to provide jobs and development opportunities for local people.
The council’s own revenue funding may be under financial pressure, but it will continue to utilise external funding for the benefit of those who live and work in the town.
Council Tax paid to Stevenage Borough Council for a Band C property will go up by £5.99 (2.99%) per year. Each C household will pay Stevenage Borough Council £206.50 for 2023/24. This is the equivalent of just £3.97 per week or 57 pence per day to fund services from Stevenage Borough Council.
Hertfordshire County Council will see an increase of 4.99%, and 6.73% for the Police and Crime Commissioner for their share of the council tax. This means a Band C Council Tax in Stevenage for 2023/24 will be £1,845.28 or £153.77per month which represents an overall increase of 4.96%. Although we collect Council Tax from our residents we only keep just over 11% of that total sum.
The Police and Crime Commissioner and Herts County Council receiving £211.56 and £1,427.22 respectively.
Jones Close has been crowned Stevenage’s friendliest street, after winning the Right Up My Street award.
The award gives recognition to a street in Stevenage that has made significant contribution to its residents, and the competition allows residents to identify the streets that best exemplify community spirit and great neighbourhood relations – this could be demonstrated through actions and initiatives that have made a positive difference to people in their local area, either individually or as a group.
Jones Close was crowned the winner by Mayor Councillor Margaret Notley because of the way the residents look out for one another and their community
spirit, often arranging street parties and days out for the whole street. The residents rally together to meet each other’s needs, including helping with childcare, shopping, finances, emergencies, and emotional needs. The winners were presented with a plaque.
The runners up were Ayr Close and 204-238 York Road.
Mayor of Stevenage, Councillor Margaret Notley, said: “The Right Up My Street award is a celebration of all things great about Stevenage and
our residents, and Jones Close and the people who live there really embody community spirit and demonstrate great neighbourhood relations.
“I’d like to thank everyone who nominated a street, close or flat block. The competition was tough this year, with many worthy submissions, and it was a joy to read through the nominations.”
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Stevenage Borough Council and the LTA have announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts in Shephalbury Park, with investment of £110,000 helping ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community.
The project is part of a nationwide investment by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.
The council has been quick to engage with the LTA, and Shephalbury Park is the first project that the LTA’s chosen contractor for our region, Chiltern Sports Contractors, have commenced under the framework.
Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls. Alongside the investment, Stevenage Borough Council and the operator of the tennis programme across the parks, National Tennis Association, will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites. This will include weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.
The Shephalbury Park tennis courts and sessions will also available to book online including via the LTA website, making it far easier to find and book a court or activity.
Work on sites is anticipated to be completed by May 2023.
Leader of Stevenage Borough Council Councillor Richard Henry said: “We have been working with the LTA for a number of years to secure this funding, and it’s excellent news that we are the first local authority in the country to benefit from this national investment programme. Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get more active, and they will have significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Residents will also benefit from a wide range of tennis programmes that will be on offer in Stevenage.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with Stevenage Borough Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK Government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Stevenage Borough Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”
Andy Burrell, Managing Director of Chiltern Sports said: “We are delighted to have been able to commence our works under the LTA framework in Stevenage, it has been a pleasure dealing with the council and it is a credit to their operations that Shepalbury Park will be the first project completed in the region”.
Residents are encouraged to be litter heroes and take part in litter picks across Stevenage, as part of the w.
The Great British Spring Clean – a national campaign organised by Keep Britain Tidy –encourages communities to clean litter from streets, parks and neighbourhoods to help improve the local environment.
This year, Stevenage Borough Council has identified woodland areas that are litter hotspots and organised three litter picks. The litter picks are open to all residents and community groups to take part in.
The first will take place at St Nicholas Park and Wellfield Wood on Friday 17 March, from 10.30am12.30pm. The second is on Thursday 23 March at Ridlins Park and Loves Wood, from 1-3pm, and the final is at Fairlands South Field and Shackleton Spring Wood on Monday 3 April, from 10.30am12.30pm.
Litter picking equipment will be provided on the day, but residents are encouraged to bring their
own gloves if they wish to use any. All volunteers are welcome to join in our free thank you raffle, to be in for the chance to win their own litter picking starter kit.
Councillor Simon Speller, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said: “We would really appreciate help from residents, businesses and schools to part in our Great British Spring Clean litter picks to help clean up the local area, and make Stevenage even cleaner and greener.
“There is never an excuse to drop litter – it blights our town, spoils the environment for all of us, and threatens our wildlife. We’re grateful to anyone who helps us in the fight against litter.”
Voting is now open to name the new woodland at Fairlands Valley Park and you have until March 19 to have your say.
Planting is now complete on the new woodland in the Southfield at Fairlands, after around 4,000 trees were planted in January and February with help from the local community, including ten schools, residents, volunteers, council officers and Councillors.
Residents were asked to suggest names for the new woodland, and Councillors then shortlisted ten names:
• Fairlands Forest
• Kings Wood
• Valley Wood
• Coronation Wood
• Fairlane Wood
• Queen Elizabeth Wood
• Heartland Wood
• Attenborough Wood
• Fox Wood
• Strong Oak Wood
Councillor Simon Speller, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change, said:
“The planting of the new woodland was a wonderful effort by our young people and the community, and many thanks to all of you who took part. Now it’s time for everybody to vote for your favourite name.
“We will hold an event to formally name the woodland later in the summer.”
To cast your vote, visit the online form. There is also a ballot box at the reception in Daneshill House. Voting closes at 9pm on Sunday 19 March.
Planning a funeral can be emotional and overwhelming. We hope that this step-by-step guide to planning a funeral offers some support and direction during this difficult time.
Once you have registered your loved one’s death and received the death certificate you can start planning their funeral.
Initial Planning
Firstly, find out if any funeral wishes are in place –perhaps within the will or a funeral plan. Your loved one may have discussed this with relatives or close friends. It’s also important to know how the funeral
will be paid for; whether provisions have been made.
Involving others helps with the tasks involved and decision making. It can also be comforting to others to know that plans are being made … they may want to be involved by helping you.
Funeral Director
Involving a funeral director eases this incredibly difficult time. They take care of the deceased, make the necessary arrangements and manage the funeral proceedings. Importantly, their role is also to support and listen to you.
Type of Funeral
The most common types of funerals are burials and cremations. If you don’t know the person’s wishes, our article explains the factors involved with choosing which funeral type is best.
Funeral Cost
It’s important to know what your loved one’s funeral will cost and how it will be paid for. In 2022, the average UK funeral cost was £3,953, excluding transport, flowers and a memorial. The basic funeral costs should cover the fees of the funeral director, doctor and clergy/officiate as well as the cost of the coffin.
The Funeral Service
Your loved one may have left wishes for the service, either written (will/funeral plan) or through discussion with a friend or relative.
A key decision to make is whether the funeral service will be religious or not. The eulogy and any poems should also be planned; what to say and who should read them during the service.
Some funeral services are themed, according to the wishes or lifestyle of the deceased. From dress code to music, transport to flowers … there is the opportunity to say goodbye your way
Where and When
Once the funeral requirements are in place, it’s time to choose where and when the funeral will take place. You can then create the order of service and let people know the date and location involved, plus any dress code requirements. (Some people request bright colours or the deceased’s favourite colour, for example.)
The Wake
After the funeral service, the wake is an opportunity for people to mourn the passing of the deceased and also to celebrate their life. From a hiring fully catered venue to self catering at home, a range of options are available. The wake can be a private event or an open invitation can be extended during the funeral service.
The Austin’s team is available to help with arranging funerals. We also offer a range of brochures for additional support.
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